If you’ve ever longed for a cozy, comforting dish that just melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, then this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is your new best friend. Tender beef simmered slowly in a rich, flavorful gravy, combined with the creamy tang of sour cream and served over perfect egg noodles creates a meal that feels like a warm hug from your favorite grandma. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary day into something special with effortless slow cooking magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. Each component plays a vital role — from the savory beef that slowly tenderizes to the brown gravy and au jus mixes that build depth of flavor, finishing with creamy sour cream that adds that luscious silkiness.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat: Choose a cut with good marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- 1 (0.87-ounce) packet brown gravy mix: This provides a quick, easy base for your rich gravy without complicated prep.
- 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus mix: Adds a deep, meaty, savory essence that makes the sauce extra tasty.
- 1 1/2 cups water: The perfect amount to dissolve the mixes and keep the beef moist during cooking.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: The creamy finish that rounds out the flavors with a delightful tang and smooth texture.
- 1 (8-ounce) package egg noodles: Fluffy and tender noodles make the ideal vehicle to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Start by spraying your 4 to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to keep everything from sticking. Then, whisk together the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water inside the cooker — this simple mix will create the delicious gravy base for your beef.
Step 2: Add the Beef and Slow Cook
Place the stew meat into the slow cooker and stir carefully to ensure every piece is covered with the savory gravy mixture. Cover the cooker and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for about 5 hours, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender while soaking up those rich flavors.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Finish
About 30 minutes before serving, take about half a cup of the gravy out and stir in the sour cream until smooth. Return this creamy mixture back to the cooker and stir gently, then cover and let it cook on high for 20 minutes. This step transforms the sauce into that classic silky, tangy stroganoff finish everyone loves.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Noodles
While the finishing stage is happening in the slow cooker, cook your egg noodles according to the package directions. These noodles hold onto the sauce perfectly and complete the dish beautifully, whether served beneath the beef or mixed right in the slow cooker.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives on top adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish. If you want a little added zest, some freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika over the top can also bring delightful depth.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is perfect as a stand-alone meal, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy beef stroganoff. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also a no-fail side that lets you soak up every bit of that amazing sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a comforting dinner party or a special weeknight treat, serve the beef stroganoff in individual shallow bowls layered over egg noodles, topped with your chosen garnishes. Alternatively, for a fun twist, try scooping it into warm baked potatoes or even puff pastry shells for a stroganoff pot pie style dish that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even better. Just be sure to reheat gently to avoid overcooking the beef.
Freezing
This dish freezes remarkably well. Place cooled stroganoff in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to evenly warm the beef and sauce without breaking down the texture. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much from storage.
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of beef in this slow cooker beef stroganoff recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is great for its tenderness after slow cooking, cuts like chuck roast or brisket cut into chunks work beautifully as well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so the beef becomes tender but not overcooked.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Just keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor and texture, but it still creates a lovely creamy finish.
Can I prepare this dish on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?
You can, though the slow cooker really shines for this recipe by allowing the beef to cook low and slow until melt-in-your-mouth tender. On the stovetop, simmer beef gently for about 2 hours or until tender, and follow the same steps for the sauce.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Cook the egg noodles separately just until al dente following the package instructions and drain them well. Add them to plates and ladle the stroganoff on top rather than mixing noodles into the slow cooker, which can cause them to overcook.
Can I add mushrooms to the slow cooker beef stroganoff recipe?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms are a classic addition to stroganoff. Add them in at the beginning so they can soak up all the delicious flavors, or sauté them separately and stir them in near the end if you prefer a firmer texture.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is the kind of meal that makes weekends cozier, weeknights easier, and dinner tables happier. The blend of tender beef, creamy sauce, and comforting noodles just can’t be beat, and the slow cooker does most of the work while you relax. Give it a try — I promise it will become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is an easy and comforting dish, perfect for a hearty meal. Tender beef stew meat cooks low and slow with brown gravy and au jus mixes, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that is finished with creamy sour cream. Served over egg noodles, this classic recipe is both satisfying and simple to prepare using a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 (0.87-ounce) packet brown gravy mix
- 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus mix
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (8-ounce) package egg noodles
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Make Gravy Base: Add the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water to the slow cooker. Whisk these together until well combined to form the flavorful base for the beef.
- Add Beef: Add the beef stew meat to the slow cooker and stir to coat the meat evenly in the gravy mixture. Ensure all meat pieces are submerged as much as possible.
- Slow Cook Beef: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for about 5 hours, until the beef is tender and fully cooked through.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, remove about 1/2 cup of the gravy from the slow cooker and transfer it to a small bowl. Stir in the sour cream until smooth, then return the mixture to the slow cooker. Stir well and cook covered on high for an additional 20 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Cook Noodles: While the sour cream mixture finishes, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until tender. Drain well.
- Serve: Serve the tender beef and creamy gravy mixture hot over the cooked egg noodles. Alternatively, add the cooked noodles directly into the slow cooker and stir before serving for a one-pot meal.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth in place of water for a richer flavor in the gravy.
- If you prefer, add mushrooms and onions to the slow cooker with the beef for more depth.
- To keep the egg noodles from sticking, toss them with a little butter or oil after cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
